Kremlin’s stance shifts: Russia’s actions in Ukraine transition from “Special Military Operation” to War

In a recent development that marks a significant shift in narrative, the Kremlin has begun to frame Russia’s ongoing military actions in Ukraine not merely as a “special military operation” but acknowledging the reality of war. This comes in contrast to previous directives that strictly banned media outlets from using the word “war” and saw the prosecution of anti-offensive campaigners for employing the term. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, disclosed this nuanced change in rhetoric during an interview with a pro-Kremlin newspaper, stating, “We are in a state of war…for us it already became a war.”

This acknowledgment signals a departure from the long-held official stance, despite the legal framework still defining the conflict as a “special military operation.” President Vladimir Putin has historically characterized the West’s actions against Moscow as a “hybrid war,” maintaining the conflict in Ukraine under the guise of a special operation. The recent statements by Peskov underline a de facto recognition of the escalated conflict dynamics, influenced by the perceived involvement of the “collective West.”

Furthermore, the Kremlin’s stance on the prosecution of anti-conflict campaigners for using the word “war” has been clarified by Peskov, suggesting a distinction in the context of his comments compared to those targeted in legal actions. Russia has enacted sweeping military censorship laws post the initiation of military actions in Ukraine, criminalizing the spread of “false information” or actions discrediting the armed forces, leading to over 900 criminal cases against dissenters, as reported by the OVD-Info rights group.

This evolving narrative and the legal ramifications for dissent within Russia highlight the complex interplay between state-controlled messaging and the realities of military engagement. As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, weighing the implications of Russia’s internal and external posture regarding the conflict in Ukraine.

The Kremlin’s subtle shift in narrative reflects a strategic recalibration in response to the evolving geopolitical and domestic landscape. This acknowledgment may serve multiple purposes, including preparing the domestic audience for a protracted engagement and signaling to the international community a readiness to redefine the terms of engagement. However, the continued crackdown on dissent and the tight grip on media narratives underscore a regime keen on controlling the domestic discourse amidst growing challenges.